'I still need to be able to read lips’: Locals rally to craft see-through masks to help deaf community continue to communicate

ORLANDO, Fla. — The face masks people locally and across the country are being asked to wear during the COVID-19 can be a communication barrier for millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans.

But a local mom learned there are face masks that still show your lips.

“I still need to be able to read lips. That’s my main mode of communication,” said 11-year-old Jocelyn Dagenais, who is deaf.

READ: Coronavirus: Kentucky college student creates face mask for deaf, hard of hearing

“When I first saw people wearing the masks where fabric covering their mouth, it was like my worst nightmare,” Jocelyn said.

Even when using American Sign language, expression is needed.

When a family friend learned from a college student online there were clear masks to help those who read lips still be able to communicate while also being protected, she rallied the community to start sewing.

“I've had people ask me, ‘Oh, that looks different’ and I explain it to them and they say, ‘oh, that makes perfect sense.’ And so I think it's just raising awareness,” said mom Katie Mitzner.

Jocelyn’s family is hoping that more people will consider making see-through masks to help their daughter and other people in the deaf community.

Coronavirus: How to make fabric masks during COVID-19 pandemic Coronavirus: How to make fabric masks during COVID-19 pandemic

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